EDITORIAL TWO POINTS PLEASE, MR BROOK It is to be hoped that Mr Peter Brook remains Minister of Fun longer than his predecessor. He is acknowledged to be a man with a 'safe pair of hands' and a person with a refreshingly open mind. Despite a wide ministerial brief, it is to be hoped he will ponder on two particular points in the coming months. The new Planning Policy Guidance Note to replace Circular 8/87 has been promised but postponed on several occasions over the last two years. A confidential draft is ·believed to be with English Heritage for comment, but it is rumoured that, by the time the draft is available for public consultation, its contents will be fixed and that further changes will be fought in Marsham Street "word by word and' line by line". For ACO members at the cutting edge of conservation, such an approach, if true, would be quite unacceptable, reflecting a lack of open-mindedness in his Ministry which Mr Brook should stamp on forthwith. The apparent blunting of the National Audit Office's own criticisms of SUCCESSFUL RURAL CONVERSIONS A recently published report A Review of Redundant Building Grant Schemes describing work undertaken by Sheffield Polytechnic shows that grants of up to 25% from the Rural Development Commission to convert redundant buildings in the English countryside into work premises are proving very effective, but awareness of the scheme needs to be improved. The scheme has been running since 1982 with more than 3,000 successful conversions. The report made a number of recommendations and as a result the RDC has raised the maximum grant limit to £62,000 (more in exceptional cases), added serviced tourist accommodation and retail activiry to the eligible uses and widened the number of geographical areas where grants apply. Details of the Redundant Buildings Grant are available from offices of the Rural Development Commission. Their numbers are listed in localtelephonedirectories. CONTEXT 36 the Government's current approach* gives little ground' for optimism. We hope we will be proved wrong. The second item on Mr Brook's immediate agenda should be the status of Conservation Areas. The 25th anniversary of the Act which established the concept has been more of a wake than a celebration. Opinions on their status are polarising with the recent Historic Towns Forum report Townscape in Trouble emphasising the inadequacy of the protection they are supposed to enjoy, while a vociferous minority in the development industry would deregulate or dispense with the "much loved and cherished local scene" altogether. While sound justification for designation should continue to reside with the local authorities, the Government should be much less equivocal about its support for Conservation Areas and their proper protection, and Mr Brook should take a lead. * See Alan Taylor's ACO Council Notes Your Chairman enters the Stroud Valleys Lovely Legs Competition. Is this a wind-up? To find out, read his current views on A CO matters on page 36 COVER STORY Demolition of the courtyard wall and central core of the Grade A listed, Minto House, Roxburghshire, being carried out on 1 September. The tragic, recent destruction of one of the nation's great houses is chronicled in this issue. FORTHCOMING ISSUES What lessons that can be learned from the experience of those who have made the transition from local authority conservation to other related organisations such as trusts and quangos. Just what is the view from the other side of the fence? COPY DEADLINE 15 JANUARY 1993 for posting on 5 March. The Summer 1993 issue will examine the aftermath of fire damage, vandalism and theft. Good and bad experiences and case studies would be appreciated. COPY DEADLINE 14 APRIL 1993 for posting on 4 June. The Autumn issue will look at Green Issues and Conservation and the Winter issue Historic Paints and Decorative Finishes. IMPORTANT NOTE TO CONTRIBUTORS COPY DEADLINE DATES ARE FINAL! Plan ahead. Do not FAX copy at the last minute, unless agreed in advance with the Editor. Check spelling and syntax. Articles under 1,800 words are much more likely to be printed than longer items, as are pieces submitted well before the deadline. CONTEXT READERSHIP QUESTIONNAIRE We always strive to improve Context and would like your views on how it might be improved. Please respond promptly by completing the loose-leaf questionnaire accompanying this issue to Dr Richard Morrice. HELP US TO HELP YOU. CONTEXT- BACK ISSUES Are you missing a recent back issue of Context (i.e. No. 24 or after)? A limited number can still be obtained from The Editor at £4.00 each inc. p&p, but check availability by telephone before ordering. MARGINALIA My thanks to John Gerrard, Technical Director of The Scottish Civic Trust, for spotting among recently advertised Listed Building Applications received by Banff and Buchan District Council: "Knockiemill Farm House, Knockiemill Farm, Deveronside, Turri.If LB920046Installation of Widows in Attic". 5
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